Romance Scams on Online Platforms

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team ·

Verdict: Suspicious | Risk Score: 5/10 | Severity: Medium

Category: sextortion

How Romance Scams on Online Platforms Works

How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation

Romance scams on online platforms like WhatsApp and dating apps have proliferated in India, targeting individuals seeking companionship or love. Scammers typically create fake profiles, often using stolen images of attractive individuals. They browse through popular apps such as Hinge, Bumble, and social media platforms, initiating conversations with unsuspecting users by replying to posts or swiping right. Their approach is vague yet charming, presenting themselves as someone who shares similar interests. This initial engagement is often tailored to resonate with the victim's desires, setting the stage for a deeper emotional connection.

The tactics employed by scammers involve emotional manipulation and trust-building techniques. They will often share elaborate stories about their lives, capitalizing on common vulnerabilities such as loneliness or the desire for companionship. These scammers frequently escalate the relationship quickly, professing love within days or weeks, then they ask the victim for help due to some fabricated crisis, like an emergency medical expense or a problem with overseas funds. The victim, emotionally invested, is led to believe that they are supporting their partner, which is one of the most effective tricks for encouraging the transfer of money.

Once a victim is engaged, the scam unfolds in several steps. Initially, the scammer might ask for small amounts of money under the guise of needing help with something urgent. This could be formatted through UPI transactions, leading victims to transfer funds conveniently from their smartphones. If the victim complies, the requests will escalate, with the scammer producing new stories demanding larger sums. Popular Indian banks such as HDFC or SBI are often involved as victims are led to make transfers under pressure. Victims report losing anywhere from ₹10,000 to over ₹50 lakh, with several individuals filing complaints after realizing they were duped. For instance, in 2022 alone, it was reported that romance scams had led to losses exceeding ₹1,200 crore across the nation.

The impact of these scams extends beyond financial loss; emotional trauma is significant for victims who often feel betrayed. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the rise in such scams corresponds with the increasing online presence of individuals during lockdowns. Recommendations from RBI and advisories from CERT-In stress the importance of vigilance when communicating online. Additionally, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) highlights that many victims are too embarrassed to report them, leading to underreporting and making recovery even more challenging.

Identifying romance scams compared to legitimate communication requires scrutiny. Genuine connections won't rush for funds or demand immediate assistance. Look for inconsistencies in stories, such as frequent changes in details regarding their life or location. Additionally, suspicious behavior includes reluctance to meet in person or video chat, instead opting for text-heavy communications which can feel impersonal. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it likely is, and engaging with someone who never wants to meet in person should raise red flags.

Who Does Romance Scams on Online Platforms Target?

General public across India

What To Do If You Encounter Romance Scams on Online Platforms

  1. Report the incident to the cybercrime helpline by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in.
  2. Block the scammer immediately on all platforms to prevent further contact.
  3. Alert your bank about any unauthorized transactions; call SBI at 1800-11-1109 or HDFC at 1800-202-6161.
  4. Document all communications and save screenshots as evidence for future reporting.
  5. Seek support from trusted friends or family members about your experience.
  6. Consider consulting with legal professionals if substantial financial losses were incurred.

How to Report Romance Scams on Online Platforms in India

  • Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
  • File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
  • Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
  • Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if I shared my OTP in a romance scam?
Immediately change your passwords and contact your bank helpline. For further assistance, reach out to the cybercrime helpline at 1930.
How can I identify a romance scam?
Look for signs like intense emotional speed, requests for money, and reluctance to meet in person. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
How do I report a romance scam in India?
You can report scams by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in. Additionally, inform your bank about any financial fraud.
What steps can I take to recover money after being scammed?
Contact your bank immediately for possible recovery options and file a report with the cybercrime department, including all evidence.

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